Afterburner has been released. After much waiting from the acclaimed post-hardcore band, they have finally delivered and boy did they deliver. This album takes us on a journey of criticism of society, placing personalized lyrics from different angles, in short, giving us what Dance Gavin Dance does best: Post-harcore.
Right off the bat, we can tell that there’s a lyrical theme to it. The influencer world of the new age has given the band more than enough material to work with within their songs. Embracing different perspectives, the band has efficiently brought forward valid reasons to be critical of our modern world. “If the world doesn’t defeat you // If the mob doesn’t delete you,” is one of the few examples they represent of the social media mentality. It’s a common theme within the new album where they traverse through the ideas surrounding the modern day entrepreneurs that are taking new platforms by storm.
Although most songs are social commentary in essence, there’s some that broaden the scope of the album. An example of this is their song “Calentamiento Global.” It’s sang in Spanish, matched with latin-style rhythm drums following every word. Although Tilian’s voice follows a romantic story with a woman, the screamer — Jon Mess — is talking about the problems that could arise from global warming. He talks about the menial tasks one does regardless of the bigger pressing issues a normal person can’t fix. It’s a great example of how clean vocals and screaming can make two messages, gathering two different perspectives within a single song. It was a surprise, but one that really shows their efficiency in mixing genres, yet staying true to their hardcore style.
Matched with their upbeat songs such as “Calentamiento Global,” they delve into slower songs like “Strawberry’s Wake.” This song showcases clean guitar matched with very clean drums that make the mood shift completely within their 13 song piece. Tilian’s voice is matched with slow backup vocals, surrounded by more somber lyrics about losing oneself and one’s relations with the people surrounding them. It shifts to the guitar guiding the lyrics, matched with their screams, all while still keeping a slower pace from the rest of the album. Further allowing Afterburner to fit genres within its mosaic.
Afterburner is definitely an album that should be listened to and analyzed. The lyrics are full of social commentary, political, as well as global. It shows the range that Dance Gavin Dance is capable of. It delves deeper into societal issues that we all hear many talk about, matched with lyrics willing to delve into its waters. With so much information to take in, Afterburner has definitely made its way to the top of the list.
